Learning the ropes

Assistant Principal Richard Martinez continues his first year at Gables and makes connecting with pupils his top priority

BY VALENTINA PONTON, STAFF WRITER

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF variables that keep Gables running like a well-oiled machine, one being an efficient administration. In his debut year at Gables, Assistant Principal Richard Martinez enjoys the successes and challenges of his new role, learning just as the students of Gables do.

After graduating from MAST Academy, the University of Miami and Florida International University, Martinez initially went to law school but decided to become a teacher after falling in love with the career, starting by instructing science classes for IB fifth graders, then advanced mathematics at various middle schools. Afterward, Martinez transferred to Coral Park Senior High, where he became a Magnet Leader.

Looking for an expansion in his career, Martinez applied to change school placement. School system applications are different from other types of job applications, as applicants do not get to choose where they go. Instead, it is based on the skills the school board sees in an applicant. In taking into account his administrative qualities, the school board thought he would fit in well at Gables in administration.

Martinez describes the switch from educator to administrator as challenging due to the new responsibility owed to thousands of students, not just regarding their classes, but their behavior as well. As assistant principal, Martinez ensures safety for students and faculty, interacts with and guides faculty and addresses daily issues such as indoor suspension.

“When I decided to switch schools and realized I had been placed at Gables and I felt happier than ever being given an opportunity to be part of one of the top schools with a great community and great alumni,” Martinez said.

Martinez wants to be an influential member of the Gables community. He is committed to making Gables a top-tier school by showing strong dedication in his efforts to do so. For example, he helps organize school transportation by making sure school buses are scheduled accordingly for every event.

“Mr. Martinez is a hard worker and a team player, willing to help whenever needed. He is firm, but only when dealing with discipline issues,” athletic director Louis Romero said.

Martinez also focuses on maintaining relationships with alumni, believing they can serve as role models for current Gables students. Moreover, he aims to be a role model for students himself. He takes time outside of school hours to support students and is skilled at managing his job in front of students. Martinez pushes to be part of events at the school. He attends club meetings, athletic events and administrative events to interact more with what goes on at Gables.

“Our administrators show their impact on running our school by enforcing their policies on us to maintain a healthy environment, and keeping a content relationship with us students,” junior Isabella Barros said.

While many of Martinez’s interests lie in his educational career, he is also passionate about his hobbies, specifically boating, water skiing and skin diving, which involves diving underwater without a body suit, just using an aqualung and flippers. With such activities, he enjoys fishing and cruising around with

Martinez’s fun facts

childhood dream job: astronaut or navy pilot favorite food: Sushi, especially nigiri

ValentinaPonton/highlights

his family on their boat. These passions are reminiscent of his youth and his upbringing in Miami, spending much of his time in the Florida Keys, even taking scuba diving lessons as an extracurricular in high school.

Gables is known for its dynamic community and Martinez is no exception. He makes sure his part of the Gables culture is impactful and eye-opening for students. He hopes to give students more information and resources when it comes to school by giving honest feedback to those who ask.

“My advice would be to stay focused and true to the ultimate goal, which is to graduate and earn scholarships. Although students are looking through the micro-lens right now, the guidance of their macro-lens is much clearer,” Martinez said.

Despite being new to Gables, the welcoming environment made Martinez feel as if he was part of a family. Getting to sign off the announcements with the iconic “always remember, go Cavs!” was when Martinez officially felt like a Cavalier.

h hidden talent: ping pong

Favorite song: “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over” by lenny kravitz